November 30, 2016

So I went out and got my Apple Book. Of course. Just the regular, not the Pro. It goes better with the original one. For those who know what I am talking about, this was a huge Deja Vu! And no, I don't think it's expensive at all. I think it's a steal actually, knowing what goes into making one of these. Inks from Epple (which is Swabian for 'Apple'), 8-color separations and paper from Scheufelen in the Black Forest. Which made me remember that as an apprentice we made a field trip to the Scheufelen paper factory. I have this image burned into my mind of staring into a million gallon steel tank with a knife blade at the bottom the size of a DC3 prop. And the pulp and water shooting in like all hell broke lose. I asked if anyone had ever fallen into it and they said, "unfortunately... yes..." and explained that the guy became part of the paper, because the paper machine you can never shut down. I think even Jony is not that close to his work. Anyhow, I thumbed through it at the Apple Store, and I think it's exquisite. A really beautiful tribute to the work and Steve Jobs.

I can't get myself to touch that dayglow orange dot and rip the seal... I think I want to keep it in it's box, figure a true collector's item it won't be, if I take it out of the box and rob the future owner of the whole Apple unboxing experience... luckily there is a walkthrough on YouTube (in 4K!) that helps me scratch the itch...

The only disappointment? Although "Designed in California" was probably designed in California, it wasn't printed here or even in Germany. It was printed in China. Maybe I'll open that seal after all. For Christmas!

November 8, 2016

Got this from my brother in Germany yesterday. I think they are really worried about US, but this is hilarious. No, it's got nothing to do with CGI, ok maybe a little bit with Roland Emmerich a part of it, but it's got everything to do with election day, today. If you haven't already, go vote. And if you're turned off by it all just do like George W. and leave the top part blank. There's plenty else on the California ballot this year.... death, condoms, marijuana, tobacco and taxes!

September 30, 2016

It's the third time that Luerzer's Archive asked for submissions to their bi-annual 200 Best Digital Artists Worldwide book, which is the most concentrated and comprehensive look at computer generated art for print and I think quite unique in that regard. Pleased to say that for the third year in a row, one of our submissions was selected for publication (not spoiling by saying which) and the book will be out in late 2016, early 2017. Meanwhile here's a look at the second issue, which Luerzer now put online and in which our Egyptitan Jewelry Python made an appearance.

March 15, 2016

Our 2016 portfolio book and motion work is currently being shown by FoundFolios at Picture Ray Studios in New York City. Stop by and check it out if you received an invite. For those who can't make it, or the rest of us here on the West Coast, we'll post the digital version next week.

MICHAEL TOMPERT, CGI ARTIST

Triggered in 2006 by graphic designer and CGI artist Michael Tompert, Raygun Studio has since grown to a collective of curious and like-minded artists, who have perfected the art of raytracing in these last ten years.
Raygun’s projects reflect Michael’s designer sensibilities—delivering a memorable and strong first read to stand out on a mobile phone, yet with depth and layers of complexity revealed when closing in on a 20-foot tradeshow display.
Creating one-of-a-kind iconic images and motion for some of the world’s most influential and interesting brands have repeatedly earned the studio a place in Luerzer’s ‘200 Best Digital Artists in the World’.